SquadTalks with André Perez: The Power in Authenticity

Here at LaunchSquad, we’re constantly thinking about which media, perspectives and approaches will maximize the impact of the stories we get to tell. And we believe that exposure to diverse, external voices helps our team broaden their understanding of the potential authentic storytelling can hold.

In a recent Squad meeting, we welcomed André Perez, a Latinx filmmaker, educator and community organizer, for an interactive discussion around the importance of trans visibility and representation in storytelling. Through his recent documentary series America in Transition (2019), André explores community, family and social issues that trans BIPOC people experience. A storyteller at his core, André has made it his mission to seek out and provide a platform for authentic trans stories.

During our session with André, the team screened America in Transition followed by small breakout discussions and a Q+A. The team reacted to the film, discussed surprises they may have had with the subject material, and had an open, empathetic dialogue about the trans experience. We also got to know André, his process, and approach to storytelling.

Through André’s strong point of view, one common theme appeared: There is power in authenticity – especially when it comes to storytelling.

“When I set out to make the project, I was hoping it would be more celebratory and joyful. And then with current events and changes in politics, things became more difficult for people over the five years that we were filming. The film became much more serious.” André said of the project. “Ultimately, we thought about what community members should see. And decided it was important to be real, and to be real in a way that was uplifting and supportive.”

While sharing his experience navigating the storytelling work of both America in Transition and the Trans Oral History Project, André noted,“Taking time to ask people the questions is important. Seeing people is important. A lot of trans folks are insecure of what we look like and sound like, but that’s what makes representation meaningful.“

As seen in André’s work, representation and authenticity open up conversations that extend stories beyond their initial footprint. It’s an essential lesson for us to keep in mind as we work as storytellers. By finding and presenting quality narratives, we can turn others into advocates and affect the world on a larger scale.

In short, diverse voices are integral to narrative impact. Authenticity drives change. And that makes us relentlessly optimistic about the power of storytelling.

To learn more about America in Transition and explore the educational resources they have made available, please visit www.americaintransition.org.